Kerstan L "Kurt" Johnson

MADISON - Kerstan “Kurt” Johnson, age 61, of Madison, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Jan. 5, 2024, at his home. Kurt was born on March 10, 1962, in Madison, the son of Ruth-Ann (Hayes) and Kenneth (Ken) Johnson.

Kurt graduated from Madison West High School and then attended Madison Area Technical College where he earned an associate degree. From there, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1985. Kurt’s academic achievements helped propel him to a successful career, first at Wisconsin Physician’s Service as a Claims Examiner. But his greatest career accomplishments came over a 24-year career at American Family Insurance where he served in several roles. For seven years, Kurt proudly worked at the Kenneth Johnson Insurance Agency as a licensed agent assistant. Then he shifted his focus to working at the AmFam home office serving in various roles but being most dedicated to the Education Division as an Instructional Designer. He retired from American Family Insurance in 2020.

Outside of work, Kurt had many interests including fishing, golf, movies, riding his Harley, traveling with family, trying new restaurants, and watching Wisconsin sports’ teams. Kurt was always interested in learning about new technology and often was his friends’ and family’s “help desk.” During his teenage years, Kurt had a job as a “chef” at Bishop’s Buffet which led to many amusing stories later in his life. But it also triggered Kurt’s interest in cooking, cooking shows and being a test cook for America’s Test Kitchens. He also was a proud member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he spent time ushering and singing in the choir. However, what Kurt enjoyed the most was spending time with his family and friends. He loved souper Sunday gatherings with his immediate family, and lunch bunch as well as thirsty Thursday with his American Family friends. Kurt’s sense of humor was second to none and will be missed by all who knew him.

Kurt is survived by his sister, Kaia (John Lilja) Comeau; niece, Aubrey (Nathan) Schuster; niece, Mariah (Sean) Bayer; Ken’s wife, Lois O’Connell; special friend, Sue Robinson; and five grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Robert Comeau; and his devoted canine companion, River.

A funeral service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Kurt’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association or Bethel Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761